Derecognition threat looms on Maharajbag zoo

The foremost is about the living conditions of the animals. The CZA has been very specific while directing that the animals are to be removed from the cages and allowed free roaming space. For this, the zoo authorities have been asked to construct moat enclosures (open spaces separated by wet/dry ditches on their periphery). The PKV authorities have however done precious little to better the living conditions. The animals still remain in ancient cramped cages.

Other major condition that the zoo authorities were asked to fulfill was regarding the nullah that criss-crosses the zoo. Carrying sewage from the nearby slums, the nullah is a potent health hazard for the animals as well as the visitors. The CZA has repeatedly asked for the nullah to be completely covered so as to ensure hygienic living conditions.

While the authorities would be in a position to partially fulfill the latter condition, thanks to a recent grant of Rs 50 lakhs from the State Government, the major condition – about moat enclosures – seems improbable to meet in near future.

This spells trouble for the zoo. The present recognition period of the zoo extends only up to May 31, 2000 and it is facing an inspection by the CZA any time now. While it has been quite lenient for last few years, the same cannot be expected again.

As for the zoo authorities they are, predictably, blaming the non-compliance on lack of funds.

"It is not possible to construct moat enclosures in the present premises of the zoo, which is only three hectares in area. For that, we will have to extend the area of the zoo to at least 16 hectares and that means a lot of money," Dr C S Chaudhari, associate dean, College of Agriculture of PKV, under whose purview the zoo falls, told The Indian Express. "We would be able to take it up only during the next phase of the modernisation plan," he added

Meanwhile, he is optimistic that the zoo would be able to get its extension, as most of the conditions, except this one, have been fulfilled. The optimism perhaps arises from the past experience.

The CZA was set up by the Central Government in 1992 and it came up with a set of common rules for granting recognition to zoos all over India. All the zoos in the country were warned to pull up their socks and meet the set conditions.

As regards, the Maharajbag Zoo, the CZA even went to the extent of suggesting its closure. However, later, several changes were brought about in the zoo to meet the norms. The living conditions of the animals were improved and several infrastructural changes were made.

Presently, the authorities plan to utilise the grant of Rs 50 lakh, to cover 200 meters of that part of 800 meter long nullah which flows across the actual premises of the zoo (the rest of it criss-crosses the other parts of the huge PKV fields).

Giving details, Dr Chaudhari said that the nullah will be fully covered, save for some openings, which would be covered by removable pre-cast concrete covers. This will facilitate cleaning of the nullah. Also some tall chimney-like outlets would be made to let out foul gases. The estimated cost of covering up the whole nullah – as estimated by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) – comes to Rs 2 crore.

Dr Chaudhari informed that he would be writing to the CZA requesting grant on equal basis to the PDKV to complete this project. It also plans to demand grants for the proposed expansion plan, so that the condition of moated enclosures could be met.

However, as of now, the future of the zoo – a legacy of Raje Raghuji Bhonsale II – remains precariously balanced.